Karl: Sensational first half

14 September 2013

mkdons.com

Karl Robinson labelled his side’s first-half performance as ‘sensational’ after their 3-1 win over Notts County on Saturday afternoon.

this season.mkstadiumRobinson’s men maintained their unbeaten start to the Sky Bet League 1 season courtesy of Luke Chadwick’s fifth minute strike, Shaun William’s superb free-kick and another home goal from Patrick Bamford, who extended his record of scoring in every match at

The Dons, who never looked like losing the match even after Notts County pulled a goal back, moved up to sixth with the victory, just three points off second place, and their Liverpudlian manager, who celebrated his 33rd birthday yesterday, was understandably delighted.

Speaking after the game, Robinson said: “I thought in the first 45 minutes we were sensational. Patrick (Bamford), Samir (Carruthers) and Greeny (Danny Green) all had chances and Glees (Stephen Gleeson) hit the post. It was a great performance.

“Second half it was hard to maintain the consistency and the quality we had in the first half but our work ethic was still there. The most important thing is we kept creating more and more chances and we probably had better chances in that second half than we did in the first half.

“The fans were getting frustrated second half. We didn’t play any different we just didn’t take our chances when they came along. I don’t think they would have had any qualms if we’d have won that by five or six.

“I’d have been absolutely mortified if I was stood here after the game having drawn but fortunately the boys responded and Patrick went and got his token goal to cap off a wonderful performance.

Despite spending most of the first half on the front foot, the Dons were made to work in the second period as their opponents searched for their first League win of the season.

Robinson, though, praised the impact of his three substitutions along with his defence, who were desperately unlucky not to keep another clean sheet.

“I thought the Dele, George and Izale made a difference when they came on” he added. “Yes Izale missed his chances but his contribution when he came on was sensational and he created them chances for himself.

“We were 2-0 up and we were looking for an injection of something. We thought bringing Izale on would give us that injection and it did but the big change for me was when we brought George on. I thought he when he came on, he really upped the ante.

“I also thought Shauny Williams, Antony Kay, Stephen Gleeson and Darren Potter were immense. Antony Kay had a five minute spell in the second half where he won every header, tackle and made every pass. He’s almost the unsung hero at the moment.

“There were one or two things in that performance today that weren’t overly great but I’ll take it. It’s also my birthday weekend so I’m going to enjoy this.”